Road roller



Aprifi E2, 1938, A. w. AITKEN 291149069 ROAD ROLLER Filed Aug. 11,- 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 1' Gttorn Vii,

Aprifi 12, 1938. A. w. AITKENI 291145799369v ROAD ROLLER Filed Aug. 11, 1936 I 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 a (Zttornegs Patented Apr. 12, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ROAD ROLLER Application August 11, 1936, Serial No. 95,458

21 Claims.

This invention is a novel improvement in road rollers and like vehicles, particularly of the type shown in U. S. Letters Patent No. 2,029,659 issued February 4, 1936 to Carl F. Greiner in which the roadroller is provided with an auxiliary roll disposed intermediate the front steering roll and the rear driving roll or wheels slightly in advance of the center of gravity of the vehicle, with power or manual means for raising and lowering said roll with respect tothe road surface, whereby the roll when lowered will carry substantially the full weight of the vehicle to smooth or iron out irregularities in the road surface. In said patent, the arms which are pivoted at opposite sides of the vehicle and which carry at their lower ends the journals for the auxiliary roll, are adapted to engage fixed stops when in fully depressed position, the arms in such position being disposed substantially vertically with the auxiliary roll contacting with the ground and supporting the greater portion of the weight of the vehicle, and the stops taking the strain and thrust of the arms when the vehicle is moving forwardly. An important feature of the machine in said patent is the provision of means for simultaneously pivoting the arms through equal arcs so that the axis of the intermediate roll will always be maintained parallel with the axis of the rear or driving roll or wheels, said means maintaining the arms when in operative position in firm contact with the stops whereby the intermediate roll is rigidly supported with respect to the frame of the vehicle.

In said patent, the stops are fixed and when the arms are in engagement therewith the intermediate roll is disposed in the plane of the lower peripheries of the steering and driving rolls or wheels. In actual practice however it has been found advisable that, when starting to roll a road surface of hot loose asphalt, oil macadam, or like paving material, the intermediate roll be disposed slightly above the said plane to prevent the said roll from pushing the hot asphaltic or other paving material in the direction of movement of the vehicle. After the surface has been initially rolled the intermediate roll may then be lowered into said plane and the machine used to roll a plane surface.

Therefore the principal object of the present invention is the provision on the fixed stop of extra adjustable stops which may be shifted to engage the arms and maintain same slightly out of contact with the fixed stops, thereby preventing thearms from swinging entirely into their lowermost positions and thus preventing the intermediate roll from being lowered into the plane of the lower peripheries of the steering and driving rolls.

A further object of the invention is to provide fixed stops onv the frame adapted to engage the arms when in vertical position; and adjustable stops of different lengths pivotally mounted on the fixed stops respectively and adapted to be selectively swung so as to project beyond the contact face of the fixed stops and into the path of swing of the arms.

Further minor objects of the invention will be hereinafter set forth.

I- will explain the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate one practical embodiment thereof to enable others familiar with the art to adopt and use the same; and will summarize in the claims the novel features of construction, and novel combinations of parts, for which protection is desired.

In said drawings:

Fig. 1 is aside elevation of a road roller of the type shown in the aforesaid patent, showing the auxiliary roll and power operated raising and lowering mechanism, also showing my novel fixed stop carrying the adjustable stops; the arm being shown inthe full line position as engaging the fixed stop and the roll in fully lowered position contacting with the road surface; and the arm in the dotted line position indicating the position of the parts when the roll is in a fully raised inoperative position.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the road roller shown in Fig, 1.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the portion of the road roller adjacent the stops and showing the arm engaging the fixed stop, the adjustable stops being swung back out of engagement with the arm.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged side elevation showing the arm engaging one of the adjustable stops which has been swung into operative position, the roll being shown as raised slightly above the road surface.

The road roller shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is of the type shown in the aforesaid patent, same having a single front steering roll A mounted in yoke B, swiveled' in trunnion casting C, the yoke being operated by steering mechanism (not shown). Side frames D are connected with the trunnion casting C, and are arched upwardly over the front roll A. The rear ends of side frames D are supported by drive wheels E disposed at opposite sides'of theside frames, the motor F for the drive being mounted between the side frames D. In order to'provide headroom for the auxiliary roll G, the lower front portions of side frames D are recessed to a point substantially under the center of gravity of the vehicle, the side frames D being reinforced by channel irons I-I riveted or otherwise secured thereto along their lower edges conforming with the contour thereof.

Journaled in side frames, slightly in advance of the center of gravity of the vehicle, is a shaft J carrying arms K at opposite sides of the vehicle keyed thereto or otherwise attached so as to swing in unison therewith, the lower ends of arms K carrying the journals for the auxiliary roll G. The axle of roll G is journaled in bearing blocks L bolted to the lower ends of arms K, and in order to permit adjustment of roll G when lowered tothe proper vertical operating position with relation to the plane of the other rolls A and E, shims M are provided between the lower ends of arms K and the bearing blocks L.

In advance of the upper ends of arms K are. power cylinders N pivoted as at N to the side frames, said cylinders having pistons connected by piston rods Q to the arms K, whereby the latter may be swung from normal inoperative position (shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1) to fully lowered operative position (shown in full lines) by the power cylinders. Instead of the power means shown, any other means, either power or manually operated, may be used, same forming no part of the present invention.

My novel fixed stop comprises a plate I disposed below the rear portions of channel irons H and secured thereto in any desired manner, the forward edge of said plate being adapted to engage the rear faces of arms K to prevent further backward movement of the arms when swung downwardly into substantially vertical position as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, in which position the intermediate roll G will be disposed, by proper selection on shims M, in the plane of the lower peripheries of rolls A and E. Plate I is of width sufficient to embrace the arms K, and the plate is recessed as at la (Figs. 2 and 3) for the reception of the auxiliary roll G, the extending end portions Inc of plate i actually engaging arms K. Upon the extending portions lac short channel irons 2 are provided securely mounted thereon and terminating with the outer ends of said portions so as to likewise engage the rear faces of arms K. A rod 3 is mounted between the legs of each channel 2 adjacent the rear end thereof, and a plurality of stop fingers of different lengths are pivoted on rod 3 within the channel, two such fingers 4 and 5 being shown in the drawings. Fingers 5 are of somewhat greater length than the distance from rod 3 to the outer end of the channel 2 so as to project beyond said outer end when swung forwardly into operative position, as shown in Fig. 4, while the fingers 4 are of less length than fingers 5, but are of greater length than the distance of rod 3 from the outer end of channel 2. Fingers 4 and 5 are provided at their inner ends with journals la, 5a respectively for the rod 3, and with strengthening ribs 42), 5b respectively on one face extending the full length of the fingers, the outer contact ends of the fingers having offset portions 4c, 50 respectively which, when the fingers are thrown into operative position (as finger 5 in Fig. 4), will project beyond the outer ends of channels 2 and will form continuations of the portions Ix of plate I, the shoulders formed by the offset portions 40, 5c contacting firmly with the outer ends of channels 2 and portions Inc as shown in Fig. 4 to take the thrust from pins 3 when the fingers are in operation.

A rod 6 is provided in each channel 2 adjacent the outer end thereof and parallel with rod 3; and recessed portions 4d, 502 respectively are provided in the fingers 4 and 5 adapted to receive the rods 6 when the fingers are swung into operative position (as finger 5 in Fig. 4), the ribs 4b, 511 respectively being arched over and around the recess portions 4d, 5d. On rod 6 is a slidable collar 1 adapted to be shifted axially of the rod to fill the gap between the finger 4 or 5 which is swung into operative position, and the opposite leg of the channel 2, thereby maintaining the operating finger 4 or 5 in fixed position and against lateral deflection in the channel.

When both fingers 4 and 5 are in the positions shown in Fig. 3, the arms K will contact squarely with the ends of portions Ia: and channels 2, and in such position of the arms auxiliary roll G will be disposed in the plane of the rolls A and E, and the auxiliary roll G when in operative position, being disposed near the center of gravity of the vehicle, may be utilized to effectively roll or smooth any irregularities in the road surface. When however either of the fingers 4 or 5 are swung into operative position (as for instance finger 5 in Fig. 4) the same will prevent the arms K from contacting with portions Ix, thereby holding the arms fixed distances therefrom and holding the roll G a slight distance above the plane of the lower peripheries of rolls A and E, thereby preventing the roll G from pushing the hot loose asphaltic or other paving material as the road roller starts to initially roll a pavement of such material.

The stops and fingers not only limit the rearward movement of the lower ends of arms K but also receive the thrust and pressure of the arms, and relieve the piston rods Q from compressive strains when the roll G is contacting with the road surface and the vehicle is moving forwardly.

I do not limit my invention to the exact form shown in the drawings, for obviously changes may be made therein within the scope of the claims.

I claim:

1. In a road vehicle having a wheeled frame; members movably mounted on the frame; an auxiliary ground roll carried by the members; fixed abutments on the. frame having contact faces adapted to engage the members; and auxiliary stops adapted to be selectively positioned beyond the contact faces to engage the members and thereby fix the operative position of the roll, said stops being adapted to be positioned so as to project different lengths respectively beyond the contact faces of the abutments.

2. In a road vehicle having a wheeled frame; members movably mounted on the frame; an auxiliary ground roll carried by the members; fixed abutments on the frame having contact faces adapted to engage the. members and auxiliary stops mounted on the abutments and being of different lengths and adapted to be selectively positioned to engage the members and thereby change the operative position of the roll.

3. In a road vehicle as set forth in claim 2, said stops comprising a plurality of fingers adapted to be positioned so as to project different lengths beyond the contact faces of the abutments.

4. In a road vehicle as set forth in claim 2, said stops comprising a plurality of fingers of different lengths pivoted on the abutments and adapted to be swung so as to project beyond the contact faces of the abutments. I

5. In a road vehicle as set forth in claim 2', said fixed abutments comprising a plate carried by the frame and having a contact edge adapted to engage the members; and said stops comprising a plurality of fingers carried by the plate adapted to be positioned so as to project different lengths beyond the contact edge thereof.

6. In a road vehicle as set forth in claim 2, said fixed abutments comprising a plate carried by the frame and having a contact edge adapted to engage the members; supports mounted on the plate terminating with the contact edge thereof and disposed in the path of movement of the members; and said stops comprising a plurality of fingers of different lengths carried by the supports and adapted to be selectively positioned so as to project beyond the contact edge.

'7. In a road vehicle as set forth in claim 2, said fixed abutments comprising a plate carried by the frame and having a contact edge adapted to engage the members; channel irons mounted on the plate terminating with the contact edge thereof and disposed in the path of movement of the members; and said stops comprising a plurality of fingers of different lengths journaled in the channel irons and adapted to be selectively swung so as to project beyond the contact edge.

8. In a road vehicle as set forth in claim 2, said fixed abutments comprising a plate carried by the frame and having a contact edge adapted to engage the members; channel irons mounted on the plate terminating with the contact edge thereof and disposed in the path of movement of the members; a rod journaled in the channel irons; and said stops comprising a plurality of fingers of different lengths journaled on the rod and adapted to be selectively swung so as to project beyond the contact edge.

9. In a road vehicle as set forth in claim 2, said fixed abutments comprising a plate carried by the frame and having a contact edge adapted to engage the members; channel irons mounted on the plate terminating with the contact edge thereof and disposed in the path of movement of the members; a rod journaled in the channel irons; said stops comprising a plurality of fingers of different lengths journaled on the rod and adapted to be selectively swung so as to project beyond the contact edge; and means for maintaining the fingers against lateral deflection in the channel irons when swung into operative position.

10. In a road vehicle having a wheeled frame; members movably mounted on the frame adjacent the center of the vehicle; an auxiliary ground roll carried by the members; fixed abutments on the frame having contact faces adapted to engage the members when the ground roll is in contact with the ground and is supporting the greater portion of the weight of the vehicle; a series of stops carried by the abutments and being of different lengths and adapted to be selectively positioned .to engage the members and take the thrust therefrom and to alter the operative position of the roll.

11. In a road vehicle as set forth in claim 10, said stop-s comprising a plurality of fingers adapted .to be positioned so as to project difierent lengths beyond the contact faces of the abutments.

12. In a road vehicle as set forth in claim 10,

said stops comprising a plurality of fingers of different lengths: pivoted on the. abutments and adapted; to be swung so as to project beyond the contact faces of the abutments.

13. In a road vehicle as set forth in: claim 10, said fixed abutments comprising a plate carried by the frame and having a contact edge adapted to engage the members; and said stops comprising a. plurality of fingers carried by the plate adapted to be positioned so as to project different lengths beyond the contact edge thereof.

14. In a road vehicle as set forth in claim 10, said fixed abutments comprising a plate carried by the frame and having a contact edge adapted to engage the members; supports mounted on the plate terminating with the contact edge thereof and disposed in the path of movement of the members; and said stops comprising a plurality of fingers of different lengths carried by the supports and adapted to be selectively positioned so as to project beyond the contact edge.

15. In a road vehicle as set forth in claim 10, said fixed abutments comprising a plate carried by the frame and having a contact edge adapted to engage the members; channel irons mounted on the plate terminating with the contact edge thereof and disposed in the path of movement of the members; and said stops comprising a plurality of fingers of different lengths journaled in the channel irons and adapted to be selectively swung so as to project beyond the contact edge.

16. In a road vehicle as set forth in claim 10, said fixed abutments comprising a plate carried by the frame and having a contact edge adapted to engage the members; channel irons mounted on the plate terminating with the contact edge thereof and disposed in the path of movement of the members; a rod journaled in the channel irons; and said stops comprising a plurality of fingers of different lengths journaled on the rod and adapted to be selectively swung so as to project beyond the contact edge.

1'7. An attachment for road rollers having a frame and having an intermediate roll carried by members movably mounted on the frame, comprising a plate adapted to be mounted on the frame and having a contact edge adapted to engage the members; supports mounted on the plate adjacent the contact edge thereof; and stops mounted on the supports and adapted to be selectively projected different lengths beyond the contact edge into the path of swing of the arms.

18. In a road vehicle having a wheeled frame, members movably mounted on the frame, an auxiliary ground roll carried by the members, and stops of different lengths engaging the members for selectively positioning the auxiliary roll at predetermined points above the plane of the front and rear rolls.

19. In a. road vehicle having a wheeled frame; members movably mounted on the frame; an auxiliary ground roll carried by the members; fixed abutments on the frame having contact faces adapted to engage the members; and auxiliary stops of different lengths mounted on the abutments normally terminating within the contact faces thereof and adapted to be positioned in the path of the swing of the arms.

20. In a road vehicle having a wheeled frame; members movably mounted on the frame; an auxiliary ground roll carried by the members; fixed abutments on the frame having contact faces adapted to engage the members; and auxiliary stops of different lengths mounted on the abutments normally terminating within the contact faces thereof and disposed in the path of the movement of the members, said stops being adapted to be selectively positioned so as to project beyond the contact faces of the abutments.

21. In a road vehicle having a wheeled frame; members movably mounted on the frame; an auxiliary ground roll carried by the members; fixed abutments on the frame having contact faces adapted to engage the members; and auxiliary stops mounted on the abutments normally terminating within the contact faces thereof and disposed in the path of the movement of the members, said stops comprising a plurality of fingers of different lengths adapted to be selectively positioned so as to project beyond the contact faces of the abutments.

ANDREW W. AITKEN. 

